Hike the North Trail to the Pygmy Forest

Fog-swept Douglas Fir, Redwoods, orchids and madrone trees led to a unique pygmy forest due to the acidic nature of the underlying soil.

Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The North trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including the unique Pygmy Forest, named for the stunted trees and plantlife due to the acidic nature of the soil.

The main North Trail trailhead begins on Highway 1 just south of the Stump Beach parking area but can also be accessed via the main Park Entrance (see map for exact location).

The trail winds slowly uphill for 2 miles, reaching the Pygmy Forest at around mile 1.8, before intersecting with the Central Trail which can be taken back to the Park Entrance. You can also continue on to the highland Prairie to take the South Trail back to the park entrance.